Healthy Living: Makoto gives In Balance a new, fun tool for ADD and more

Published 7:00 pm, Sunday, March 22, 2009

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Healthy Living: Makoto gives In Balance a new, fun tool for ADD and more

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It may look like something from Star Wars with its triangle of steel towers featuring flashing lights and noises. In reality the Makoto is one of the most advanced-and fun-tools for improving sensory integration disorders like ADHD and others.

In Balance owner Missy Dwyer was looking for ways to expand the already successful and enjoyable system. "The Makoto uses audio and visual cues to help the brain better process information," she says. "It adds a new method of doing the sensory integration therapy we were already doing."

Using their hands or a staff, In Balance clients respond to audio and visual prompts. When a light blinks on or a tower makes a sound, the participant must make contact with the light, using some force. Merely touching it will not count. Not only does the Makoto strengthen mental capacities, it's a great workout.

Because it measures the time lapse between the stimulus and the response, participants can measure their progress and get to enjoy trying to beat their previous times.

The Makoto increases the neurological connections between the brain and the body resulting in improved focus, reaction time and overall coordination. It has been used to help ADD, ADHD, SPD (sensory processing disorder) dyspraxia, learning difficulties, head injuries, stroke, autism and others. It is also extremely useful for neurological impairments that affect the mind and body such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Others who have used Makoto report seeing amazing therapeutic gains in clients in areas of motor planning and inter-sensory processing. And those clients are having so much fun they don't realize it's a therapeutic modality. That, according to Missy, is most of the battle right there.

In spite of the fact that it sounds challenging, it can actually be set for any speed that's appropriate to the client and condition. Missy has used this with clients of all age groups, setting it for slower times for her more mature clients.

Nick Noel is one of the younger ones, at In Balance for his second time, working on information retention issues. His mom, Nina, says he likes the Makoto because it's like a game. "He thinks of the baton like the light sabers in Star Wars." Of In Balance in general, Nina reports, "It helped him so much last time we're here for another round."

In Balance is a proven modality that is fun for people of all ages.

If you or your child or someone you know needs help with dyslexia, ODD or one of the other conditions listed above, please call In Balance today and see how Missy could help you.

In Balance Learning Center is located at 3300 North A, Bldg. 7, Ste 110, just west of Mr. Gatti's. The phone number is 685-3556.

Caption: TAKE THAT! While enjoying using the Makoto's baton at In Balance, client Nick Noel is improving sensory integration. That, in turn, helps his brain organize and retain information. For more of that-information, that is-call Missy Dwyer at 685-3556.